Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan secured a resounding victory in the recent election, garnering over 31.9 million votes, equivalent to 97.66% of the total votes cast, granting her a five-year term. The electoral commission announced her landslide win following a week of violent demonstrations triggered by the exclusion of her main rivals from the race.
Protests erupted during the election, with demonstrators tearing down banners, setting fire to government buildings, and clashing with security forces using tear gas and gunfire. The exclusion of Hassan’s key challengers by the electoral commission and alleged widespread arrests and abductions of opponents sparked outrage among protesters.
In response to the unrest, President Hassan, speaking from Dodoma, condemned the protesters’ actions as irresponsible and unpatriotic. She emphasized the paramount importance of national security and vowed to utilize all available security measures to maintain peace and order in Tanzania.
The main opposition party, Chadema, claimed that hundreds of people lost their lives during the protests, while the United Nations reported at least 10 confirmed fatalities in various cities. The government dismissed the opposition’s death toll as exaggerated and defended its human rights record against international criticism.
Following the election, a nationwide curfew was imposed, internet access was restricted, and international flights were canceled, disrupting operations at Dar es Salaam’s vital port. The Secretary-General of the United Nations called for a thorough investigation into allegations of excessive use of force and expressed sorrow over the loss of life.
President Hassan, who succeeded the late John Magufuli in 2021, faced scrutiny over the high voter turnout of nearly 87% in comparison to previous elections. Critics raised concerns about the discrepancy in voter numbers, especially given the disruptions caused by the protests during the voting process.
Despite initial praise for her efforts to alleviate government repression, President Hassan has come under fire from opposition groups and activists for alleged human rights violations, including arrests and abductions of dissenting voices. She highlighted infrastructure developments and energy sector advancements during her campaign but continues to face criticism for civil liberties issues.
